Ottery St Mary is renowned for its annual Carnival, fireworks display, the lighting of a monumental bonfire and the bearing of blazing barrels by men, women and children through the streets of this historic Devon town.  This year the Carnival takes place on 31 October, while the tar barrels will be blazing a trail up and down the streets of Ottery on 5th November.  

 The tradition of the blazing barrels, borne on the back of brave and burley locals, spans hundreds of years and is presumed to have started after the gunpowder plot of 1605.  It is a stunning spectacle, the like of which can’t be seen anywhere else in the UK, as Ottery is the town where full-sized blazing tar barrels are still paraded through the streets.

In total seventeen barrels are carried through the streets ranging in size from ‘small unz’ for the boys, ‘medium unz’ for women and youths, and ‘gert big unz’ for the men.  The largest of the barrels is paraded around the town square at midnight, and marks the culmination of this extraordinary and enthralling tradition.  

We’ve a number self-catering properties that are available just a short drive away:

BARGAIN OF THE WEEK

The Moorings, Exmouth, Devon - sleeps 4
This lovely one bedroom apartment has stunning views over the Jurassic Coast.  It is situated in Exmouth, a thriving traditional seaside town, which forms part of England’s only Natural World Heritage Site.  Close by are the popular beaches of Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth, and there are a wealth of exciting and interesting activities nearby to try including watersports, local nature reserve walks and a selection of restaurants, shops and local attractions to visit.  Ottery St Mary is under half an hour away.
Available week beginning 31 October for just £407* (£101 per person).  
A three night stay, from 5th to 8th November can be booked for £72*per head (£291* total).

4 The Beacon and 2 The Beacon, Exmouth, Devon – sleep 4 and 2 guests respectively
These spacious and beautifully finished period apartments are close to Exmouth’s town centre, yet are only a short walk from the seafront and beach.  Both enjoy dramatic coast views.  

In addition to having their own self-catering facilities, guests are invited to dine at the Royal Beacon Hotel, just 200 yards from the apartments, where breakfast, lunch and a choice of dinner menus from two superb restaurants are available.  Guests are also able use the hotel’s bar facilities.

4 The Beacon – can be booked from 5th to 8th November for £161 per head (645* total).  
A week beginning 31 October can be booked for £914* (£228* per person).

2 The Beacon - can be booked from 5th to 8th November for £259*per head (£519* total).
The week beginning 31 October can be booked for £734* (£367 per person).

 7 Louisa Terrace and 8 Louisa Terrace, Exmouth, Devon – both sleep 4
These elegant apartments are located above the seafront and have fantastic views across the River Exe Estuary and the Devonshire Coast.  They are furnished to an excellent standard throughout and are located close to Exmouth’s town centre.

A three night stay from 5th to 8th November can be booked from £196* per person (£785* total).  A week, beginning 31 October, can be booked for £1,114*.